Elizabeth man, wanted in New York since 2008, arrested in Roselle

Union County sheriff's officers today arrested an Elizabeth man who had been hiding from New York authorities for nearly six years.The Star-Ledger

ROSELLE — An Elizabeth man in hiding from New York City authorities for nearly six years was arrested in Roselle early today, the Union County Sheriff's Department said.

Sheriff's officers arrested John Lopez, 33, at about 7:30 a.m. in a house at 154 W. Second St., authorities said.

Lopez, who according to the Sheriff's Department has criminal records in New York and New Jersey for possession, manufacturing and distribution of controlled dangerous substances, has been wanted by the New York State Parole Board, authorities said.

Last week, the Cold Case Division of the New York Parole Board contacted the Sheriff's Department's fugitive unit with information about Lopez, authorities said.

They said the information resulted in new leads and culminated with the arrest.

Six sheriff's officers were involved in the arrest, which happened without incident, authorities said.

They said Lopez, who is being held at the Union County jail in Elizabeth, faces up to life in prison.

Lopez has been wanted by New York authorities for parole violations since 2008.

This was the second fugitive that county sheriff's officers apprehended this week.

On Monday, officers arrested Randy Lydon, 24, of Union, after he jumped off a fire escape at his Walker Avenue apartment building, authorities said.

They said officers grabbed Lydon as he tried to climb over a backyard fence.

Lydon, who had been wanted since November for a probation violation in connection with a drug charge, was also charged with resisting arrest and obstructing the administration of law for attempting to flee, authorities said.

Lydon was treated for minor injuries sustained during the jump from the fire escape, and is being held at the county jail, authorities said.